среда, 29 февраля 2012 г.

Qld: Youths rampaged due to boredom, says mayor

BRISBANE, Aug 22 AAP - Up to 40 youths went on a destructive ramage in a central QueenslandAboriginal community because they were bored, the town's mayor says.

Police said the youths, aged between 11 and 15, went on their out-of-control spreein the town of Woorabinda, south-west of Rockhampton, at about 10.40pm (AEST) on Sunday.

Police were pelted with sticks, broken bottles and rocks and property and buildings,including the local primary school, were damaged in the disturbance.

The riot ended only after parents, elders and guardians were called in to help restore order.

The damaged buildings also included the police station, work sheds and a cafe.

When police arrived, the youths pelted them with missiles, but there were no reports of injuries.

Police said 34 of the youths have been identified, and 16 arrested and charged.

A number had been released but others were being held in custody in Rockhampton whilepolice investigations continue.

Mayor Roderick Tobane said the youths were bored and frustrated by a lack of facilities.

"There's no big, major damage, there's not hundreds of thousands of dollars worth ofdamage, it's just the young fellas out on the street after 10pm, after 11pm, making lifea misery for people who own services in the community," Mr Tobane told ABC radio.

"With the police as well, apparently they ... threw bricks through the window at thepolice station.

"It's just clear boredom."

He urged parents to take more responsibility for their children.

"(They) feel neglected - there's a handful of them that are being neglected, they arenot getting the right care and love that they need," Mr Tobane said.